While their compilation Retro is a worthwhile introduction for newcomers, KMFDM's contemporaneous release, Agogo, is more directly aimed at longtime fans. Composed of B-sides, compilation tracks, and remixes, the disc prov... more &raquoides a glimpse at the more esoteric side of one of today's most earnest industrial bands. "Godlike," produced by Ministry cofounder Paul Barker, is a full-throttle adrenaline-fest that steals drum programming from Ministry's thunderous "Thieves"; "Virus-Dub" and "Rip the System" explore and spoof various facets of reggae music; and "Mysterious Ways" is a slinky and surprisingly reverential tribute to Irish superstars U2. Of course, even devoted fans could do without the hastily assembled Hellraiser III cut "Ooh La La" and the Scott Burns metal mix of "Hole in the Wall," but overall, Agogo is a worthwhile investment for the aficionado who needs everything. --Jon Wiederhorn&laquo less

Synopsis

Amazon.com

While their compilation Retro is a worthwhile introduction for newcomers, KMFDM's contemporaneous release, Agogo, is more directly aimed at longtime fans. Composed of B-sides, compilation tracks, and remixes, the disc provides a glimpse at the more esoteric side of one of today's most earnest industrial bands. "Godlike," produced by Ministry cofounder Paul Barker, is a full-throttle adrenaline-fest that steals drum programming from Ministry's thunderous "Thieves"; "Virus-Dub" and "Rip the System" explore and spoof various facets of reggae music; and "Mysterious Ways" is a slinky and surprisingly reverential tribute to Irish superstars U2. Of course, even devoted fans could do without the hastily assembled Hellraiser III cut "Ooh La La" and the Scott Burns metal mix of "Hole in the Wall," but overall, Agogo is a worthwhile investment for the aficionado who needs everything. --Jon Wiederhorn

CD Reviews

Cool mixes

LostSoul | Nowhere | 04/14/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album rocks, but with the exception of two songs: "Thankyou" and "Zip". Both those songs are really dumb. The rest of the album, however, is great. "Godlike" is the heaviest mix of "Godlike" that I've ever heard; "Agogo" is really funky; "Virus-Dub" is awesome, it's got a cool Carribean beat to it, and it's way better than "Virus-Pestillence"; "Hole In The Wall" is okay, but I've heard better mixes; "Naff Off" is really good; and the mix of "Rip The System" is mediocre (it's a bad song anyway). Basically get this album for "Godlike", "Virus-dub", "Naff Off", and "Agogo"."

Not their best

Neel Aroon | Lexington, KY United States | 02/01/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I like KMFDM a lot but Agogo is not the best work I have seen the band do. Their other albums have a higher level of intensity and creativity then Agogo. It just seems that Agogo was but toghether by their record company knowing that it would be one the last times they would be able knowing that the band would break up soon. There are good songs on here like the cover of U2's mysterious ways and is defenetely good for the die-hard KMFDM fans"

Where the hell did they keep these tracks hidden?!

goolian | Tokyo | 11/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I bought this "bootlegs and B-sides" CD I didn't expect the same quality music that KMFDM normally puts out. I figured, "There must be a reason why KMFDM kept these tracks hidden from the general populous..."Turns out, this CD is most excellent! The cheesiness and simplicity of these tracks actually sounds, well...GOOD. My favorite song on this album is their take on the bouncy Euro-techno scene that drove them sick, "Naff Off" "Ooh La La" though obviously hastily created, sounds very good, and the U2 cover "Mysterious Ways" has a good performance by my man En Esch. The metal version of "Hole In The Wall" and the uncut version of "Virus" were also some honorable mentions.KMFDM put this compilation together for their loyal fans through the years. So, if you're a fan of the late ultra-heavy-beat band, check this out. You won't regret it!"

The title track is smoother than velvet.

EerieVonEvil | The Rabbit Hole | 06/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Plenty other better KMFDM albums but this contains some essentials: Ooh La La, Naff Off, and Agogo....that song is so grooovy! It is seriously one of KMFDM's best songs. 7 minutes of retro-industrial with a funky edge. I do recommend you get this if you have every other KMFDM album including the original NAIVE. Nuff said"